Arteriovenous malformation

This article is about the anomaly generally. For its occurrence in the brain, see Cerebral arteriovenous malformation.

Arteriovenous malformation
Other namesAVM
Micrograph of an arteriovenous malformation in the brain. HPS stain.
SpecialtyNeurosurgery
Diagnostic methodCT, MRI, MRA

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary system. Usually congenital, this vascular anomaly is widely known because of its occurrence in the central nervous system (usually as a cerebral AVM), but can appear anywhere in the body. The symptoms of AVMs can range from none at all to intense pain or bleeding, and they can lead to other serious medical problems.[1]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference NINDS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).